Triumphant West Indies T20 Captain Rovman Powell at a loss for words as team celebrates series victory over India

By August 14, 2023
West Indies T20 Captain Rovman Powell with the Player of the Series trophy that was won by Nicholas Pooran. The Trinidadian batsman had to skip out on the closing ceremonies to catch a flight. West Indies T20 Captain Rovman Powell with the Player of the Series trophy that was won by Nicholas Pooran. The Trinidadian batsman had to skip out on the closing ceremonies to catch a flight. Getty Images

A wave of exultation swept over West Indies T20 International captain Rovman Powell as his team clinched a thrilling victory in the fifth and final match of the series against India. The euphoria was palpable as the West Indies secured an eight-wicket win, sealing the series 3-2. This momentous triumph marked the team's first multi-game series victory against India since 2016.

Chasing India’s total of 165-9 from their 20 overs, West Indies cruised to 171-2 from just 18 overs thanks to the efforts of Romario Shepherd who took 4-31 to help restrict India. Brandon King, who scored an unbeaten 85 and Nicholas Pooran, 47, then laid the foundation for the emphatic victory.

Sunday's showdown in Lauderhill was laden with significance, as the West Indies, after an initial surge of triumph, had endured setbacks in the form of consecutive losses in the preceding matches. An emphatic defeat by nine wickets in the fourth match had cast a shadow of doubt. However, the tides turned dramatically, propelled by the career-best performances from Shepherd and King.

"I struggle to find the right words to describe this feeling. Adjectives fall short to capture the magnitude of our emotions. This series is massive for us, defeating India on our home turf amidst all the challenges we're facing," Rovman Powell expressed, his voice brimming with elation. The captain's pride in his team's accomplishments was evident, as they not only played for personal satisfaction but also for the collective spirit of the Caribbean people.

Acknowledging the pivotal role of the coaching staff, Powell shared insights into the team's resilience. "Last night, after our resounding defeat, we gathered and deliberated. Our response wasn't about just putting smiles on our faces; it was about uplifting the spirits of the people we represent." Despite the setbacks, the team demonstrated unwavering determination and resolve.

"For me, individual performances are paramount. When individuals excel, the team reaps the rewards," Powell emphasized, highlighting the synergy between individual brilliance and team success. The captain's words resonated deeply, reflecting his commitment to fostering a culture of growth and achievement.

As the celebrations ensued, Powell showered praise on key contributors, particularly Nicholas Pooran, who was named Player of the Series for the series-leading 176 runs. "Pooran is a standout performer. We relied on him to step up in three out of five games, and he delivered brilliantly." He also commended the bowling unit for their commendable efforts in taming India's formidable lineup.

Throughout the challenging journey, the unwavering support of the fans played a pivotal role, both on and off the field. "Credit to the fans who rallied around us, offering encouragement and support through thick and thin. Their presence physically and virtually, through social media, underscores the profound impact of cricket as a unifying force," Powell declared, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between the team and its dedicated supporters.

Leighton Levy

Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.

Related items

  • Powell hits 102 to lead CCC to two-wicket win over Barbados Pride Powell hits 102 to lead CCC to two-wicket win over Barbados Pride

    Kieran Powell scored his sixth List A hundred to lead the Combined Campuses and Colleges to their first win of the 2024 CG United Super50 Cup, a two-wicket victory over the Barbados Pride at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Friday.

    Powell hit 102 off just 87 balls including 10 fours and three sixes to lead the CCC in a successful chase of 265, reaching 267-8 with five overs in hand.

    The Nevisian former West Indies batsman was supported well by Shaqkere Parris who hit 44 while Jonathan Drakes and captain Shamarh Brooks also had a lot to do with the successful chase with 35 and 33, respectively.

    Chemar Holder bowled with good pace on his way to 3-58 from his 10 overs while Jomel Warrican took 2-57 from his 10 overs.

    Earlier, the Pride posted 264-7 from their 50 overs after losing the toss.

    Kevin Wickham led the way with 65 while Zachary McCaskie and Leniko Boucher also got fifties with 53 and 52, respectively.

    Akeem Jordan took 3-49 from 10 overs while Romario Greaves sook 2-47 from his full quota of overs.

    Full Scores:

    Barbados Pride 264-7 off 50 overs (Kevin Wickham 65, Zachary McCaskie 53, Leniko Boucher 52, Kemar Smith 32*, Akeem Jordan 3-49, Romario Greaves 2-47)

    Combined Campuses and Colleges 267-8 off 45 overs (Kieran Powell 102, Shaqkere Parris 44, Jonathan Drakes 35, Shamarh Brooks 33, Chemar Holder 3-58, Jomel Warrican 2-57).

  • “We have capable replacements”- Powell encourages bowlers to step up and be counted in Alzarri Joseph’s absence for first two England T20Is “We have capable replacements”- Powell encourages bowlers to step up and be counted in Alzarri Joseph’s absence for first two England T20Is

    West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell called the unavailability of pacer Alzarri Joseph a big loss on the eve of the first of five T20 Internationals against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

    Joseph was suspended by Cricket West Indies for two games after abruptly leaving the field during the series-deciding third ODI between the West Indies and England at the same venue on Wednesday which the hosts won by eight wickets to claim a 2-1 series win.

    “It’s a definite loss for us,” Powell said in a pre-match press conference on Friday.

    “He’s the spearhead of our attack and one of our more experienced bowlers but, having said that, we have capable replacements. When you look on the bench strength, I think guys that are waiting in the wings are good also. It’s an opportunity for somebody to step up and be counted,” he added.

    The West Indian T20 side are coming off a disappointing series loss to Sri Lanka and will be looking to bounce back against opponents they have become very familiar with over the years, especially on their home turf.

    “Every time England comes to the Caribbean it’s a big rivalry. England is one of the best teams in the world so it definitely brings out the best in us from a T20 perspective,” Powell said.

    “I think we’ve been playing some good T20 cricket so this series provides an opportunity for us to continue to do that,” he added.

    Another added thought in the mind of players in the format this time of year is the looming IPL player auction.

    With the amount of cricket played throughout the year, however, Powell doesn’t see how anyone’s performance in these five games will determine whether or not they are picked up during the auction on November 24 and 25.

    Instead, Powell wants his team to focus on the task at hand.

    “A lot of scouting has already been done. I don’t think five games would actually change the decisions of where IPL teams will go. It’s just for us from an individual standpoint to focus on what we can contribute to our team and leave the rest to whatever,” he said.

    With the ODI team just winning their series, Powell was asked about whether or not there is pressure for the T20 side to do the same.

    “There is always pressure, especially playing at home against such a good opponent,” he said.

    “Fortunately for us as a T20 team, we’ve been managing that pressure pretty well, so far,” he added.

    The first T20I bowls off tomorrow at 3:00pm JA time/4:00pm ECT.

  • Hamilton hits 96*; Cornwall, Walsh Jr dominate as Hurricanes go top with 84-run win over Volcanoes Hamilton hits 96*; Cornwall, Walsh Jr dominate as Hurricanes go top with 84-run win over Volcanoes

    Jahmar Hamilton, Rakheem Cornwall and Hayden Walsh Jr all played starring roles to lead the Leeward Islands Hurricanes to a comprehensive 84-run win over the Winward Islands Volcanoes in their CG United Super50 Cup game at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground in St. Augustine on Friday.

    The Hurricanes, after winning the toss and batting first, recovered from being 68-6 after 23 overs to post 180 all out off 48.4 overs, a respectable total in the end.

    Hamilton, who came to the crease at 23-2 in the ninth over, carried his bat though the innings on the way to a career-best 96* off 128 balls including just five fours and two sixes.

    To put into context how crucial Hamilton’s knock was, Jewel Andrew was the next highest scorer for the Hurricanes with 17.

    Kavem Hodge starred with the ball for the Volcanoes with 4-26 from his 10 overs while Darel Cyrus was good in support with 2-33 from his 10 overs.

    It was then the turn of the Leewards spin twins to take over proceedings as captain Rakheem Cornwall and Hayden Walsh Jr combined to take all ten wickets as the Windwards were bundled out for 96 in just 21 overs.

    Cornwall led the way with 6-26 off nine overs while Walsh Jr took 4-20 off six overs as the Hurricanes moved to 38 points from five matches to sit at the top of the points table, one point ahead of the Trinidad & Tobago Red Force and six ahead of the Barbados Pride who were doing battle with the Combined Campuses and Colleges at the time of publishing.

    Alick Athanaze was the only Volcanoes batting to pass 30 with his 34.

    Full Scores:

    Leeward Islands Volcanoes 180 off 48.4 overs (Jahmar Hamilton 96*, Kavem Hodge 4-26, Darel Cyrus 2-33)

    Windward Islands Volcanoes 96 off 21 overs (Alick Athanaze 33, Rakheem Cornwall 6-26, Hayden Walsh Jr 4-20).

     

     

© 2024 SportsMaxTV All Rights Reserved.